Sunday, October 05, 2008

Homeopathy presents an excellent tool for many first aid situations and is easily applied, even by the novice user. They have a long history of use, are effective and fast acting, which makes them ideal for first aid. The following is a list of common injuries and ailments and the remedies that will help to alleviate the symptoms. Keep these ones on hand for whenever you might need them - conveniently in your first aid kit along with your bandages and medical tape. All remedies can be used in a 30c potency or as otherwise stated. This is the average strength used for most applications. You can us them as either pellets or liquids form; either is suitable.

Aconite: Used in any illness that begins suddenly and violently and works best when administered as early as possible.

Eupatorium: When the flu feels like it has gotten into the bones which then ache. Patient is very thirsty.

Ferrum Phos: Useful in the early stages when you are feeling rundown and tired.

Gelsemium: Colds and flu with much shaking and shivering. Weakness and heaviness in muscles. Might have a headache at back of head.

Oscillococcinum: Will often relieve the symptoms of flu if taken within first 48 hours. Can be used as a prophylactic during flu season to help prevent illness.

INSECT BITES AND STINGS

Ledum: Useful for puncture wounds that occur from a sharp pointy object. The area affected is generally cool.

Apis: For bites that are swollen, red, hot and shiny.

INJURY AND TRAUMA

Arnica: For bruising, swelling, stiffness, and aches in the body and muscles as a result of injury or overuse. Great for recovery from surgery and dental work. Can be used topically for bruises and bruised feeling muscles but should not be used on open wounds where it can cause a rash. This is the #1 remedy for a gunshot wound.

Hypericum: For crushing damage to fingers especially with severe nerve pain.Ledum: For puncture wounds that result from a sharp pointy object. For tetanus with twitching of muscles near wound.

DIARRHEA & VOMITING

Arsenicum Album: Stool is small, dark, and putrid smelling. There is great exhaustion of the patient. Cannot bear the sight or smell of food. Nausea or retching after eating or drinking. Vomiting of blood, bile, or green mucus.

Veratrum Album: Diarrhea is watery, painful, copious, and forcibly evacuated. Exhaustion follows. Copious vomiting and nausea. Thirsty for cold water but vomits it back up right away.

Chamomilla: Toothache in general. In teething where one cheek is red and hot and the other is white and cool. Use the 200c potency for teething babies.

Mercurius Solubilis: For newly formed abscess on tooth. Bad odor from mouth, and increased saliva are possible.

SUNBURN & HEAT EXHAUSTION

Apis: Tight, red, hot, shiny skin, all indicative of sunburn respond to Apis. Good for the chills that follow too much sun.

Belladonna: scarlet coloured burns, swollen and sensitive

Causticum: Use for old burns or poor recovery from burns.

HANGOVER:

Nux Vomica (Colubrina): A remedy for over indulgence of drugs and alcohol.

FEVER in CHILDREN

Belladonna 200c: High fever with red, hot face and glaring eyes. The fever produces a delirium state with hallucinations. Great children’s remedy. Can be used for scarlet fever in the 200c potency or as a prophylactic in the 30c potency.